Facebook is lighting up today sending out praises to the man who started it all. Born in 1901 in Chicago Illinois. Starting his first studio in 1923 and releasing Steamboat Willie in 1928. Walt and his company has given our imagination wings ever since and continues to inspire those who extend his legacy every day! Thank you for all you did and do Mr. Disney you are are True Legend , Happy Birthday!
As for me , I hope to start writing frequently again . Though I won't be getting anything new for a while I do have some wonderful ideas that are aching to be wrote. Our moving plans have sailed but we haven't let go of the Dream . Because as our wonderful man of the hour once said, "If you can dream it, You can do it!". Keep on Dreaming Everyone and we'll see ya real soon!
QOTD: What is your favorite Disney Movie?
Friday, December 5, 2014
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Spot light Sunday Diane-Lee Moore
One of the cutest collections I have ever seen is Diane's Disney Beanie Collection. When Diane first started as a CM at the Disney store in 1998 she purchased her very first and favorite Beanie Plush, Steamboat Willie (Mickey Mouse). It is her favorite since to her it represents her time as a CM and the beginning of what is now her collection. Combining her love for Disney and her ability to display the cute little beanies it was easy for her collection to grow. Today she has over 100 Plush Beanies and continues to collect .
Due to not many new releases Diane takes to Ebay to add to her collection. For now she really hopes to get some of the princess or prince beanies since she doesn't have any of them yet. Though she has never been to Disney World herself friends of hers bring her back Beanies when they visit and she gets her Disneyland fix at Disneyland Paris where she has been 3 times. Though collecting has become difficult since domestic shipping can be a stressful process she still strives to make her collection larger!
QOTD: Which is your favorite version of mickey, and why?
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
999 happy haunts
The Haunted Mansion has been a fan favorite for ages. With today being the first of October, the new Haunted Mansion shoppe "Momento Mori" that is currently replacing The Yankee Trader next to the Haunted Mansion in Disney World, and the fact that me and my husband have accepted the challenge to put together our very own Haunted Mansion Halloween Costumes. Which is definitely sounding like a difficult task.
To Play: Players take turn rolling the dice and moving their pawns to race through the haunted Mansion. BUT ... if your token lands on a spin the turntables are to be spun a quarter turn. This could either send you to the exit door and the win or back the way you came from. First person to get to the exit wins. Simple and fun and a awesome collectible to have!
QOTD : Who or what is your favorite Haunted Mansion haunt?
References:
DoomBuggies.com - http://www.doombuggies.com/collectibles1.php
Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Haunted_Mansion_characters
While I have never done a review before I think this would be a awesome time to start. While I don't have many haunted mansion items. Since Haunted mansion items are rare and highly desired, I am extremely happy with the few items I do have. I think the best way to set up the Haunted mansion item reviews would be a 2 part blog so be watching out for the Haunted Mansion playset review some time this month along with other awesome spooks, tricks, treats, and fun.
Before I pull out the game it's self I wanted to do a little research. When I research a item I like to check Ebay, Etsy ( if it is vintage), Amazon, google , wikipedia, etc. I like to know as much as I can about a item before I purchase it unless it's really cheap. In this case my husband bought the game for me for our anniversary. He bought it from a friend from his work who got it from a auction for a great price. What I found out made me very glad he did.
Haunted Mansion Game , The Chilling Challenge to Escape the spinning spooks is a board game copyrighted in 1975. Even with a slit in the plastic and some dents to the corner this board game has sold on Ebay $1,142.77 plus shipping. Doombuggies.com mentions the game in their article titled "Collectibles from the Haunted Mansion", saying " The intricate, 3-D game board with colorful artwork and moving pieces is hard to find in good condition today, which makes this game a valuable Haunted Mansion collectible."
I would put mine in the category of good. When looking at the box there are some major flaws. The box is bowed out which would make me think that some time between the time of purchase and the time it was purchased for me the game came in contact with water. There are bends and rips on the sides of the box and the Base of the box is part of the game so it doesn't come apart . ( At least not that I have tried since it is in there very tightly.) The cover art is bright, eye catchy, and not damaged.
Upon opening the box there is a fold out back drop. The inside of the mansion on one side depicting multiple ghosts and Abigale Patecleaver sitting on her husbands tombstone. A little back history about Abigale, later named Constance Hatchaway is one in the same to the hatchet baring black widower found in the Attic of the Haunted Mansion. On the far right side of the front you can find the Raven. Inspired by Edgar Allen Poes book "The Raven" while seen many times through out the mansion plays no huge role but on the 1969 record, "The Story and Song From the Haunted Mansion" the Ghost Host refers to the raven as being possessed by the restless spirit of a old nag. The Raven is attached by a plastic bar to the game board allowing it to move. On the back of the backdrop you can see the outside of the Mansion. Again the raven appears just over the logo on the gate post.
The game pieces for the game for the game are a red, blue, yellow, and green Doom Buggie. The game also comes with 2 small dice and 4 cardboard standees. One set of Spectral Waltzers, the Opera singers, Ezra and Gus of the hitch hiking ghosts and of coarse the terrified care taker (or as the game refers to him the watchman) with his poor scared to death whimpering dog. These are set on the spinning discs attached to the bottom of the board game.
To Play: Players take turn rolling the dice and moving their pawns to race through the haunted Mansion. BUT ... if your token lands on a spin the turntables are to be spun a quarter turn. This could either send you to the exit door and the win or back the way you came from. First person to get to the exit wins. Simple and fun and a awesome collectible to have!
QOTD : Who or what is your favorite Haunted Mansion haunt?
References:
DoomBuggies.com - http://www.doombuggies.com/collectibles1.php
Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Haunted_Mansion_characters
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Celebrity Saturday Jasmine Becket-Griffith
Some people take to a craft like we take to breathing. Jasmine is one of those people. She started painting with water colors at around three or four years old and was bit by the entrepreneurial bug. She started with door to door selling when she was just a kid and started her website Strangeling.com in 1997 when she was just seventeen years old. In the early days Jasmine worked at places like Dairy Queen and waitressing to make ends meet. Though it was quickly obvious that painting was her calling which led to her husband quitting his own job to become her assistant. Today she employs 9 people that are mostly family members.
When naming her website she decided against a self title since the length of her name can be hard to remember. She decided to use Strangeling since her husband had nicknamed her "Strageling" when she was in high school. She finds it kind funny when her creations are referred to as Stangelings since she Initially started them off as being loosely self-portraits done in a heavily stylized way. Jasmine says " I like the idea of taking proportions that are traditionally associated with cartoon characters but painting them in a realistic way, with a lot of attention to lighting, three-dimensionality, and painting techniques inspired by the old masters."
With fame comes fans, there are currently over 837,000 fans on the Jasmine Becket-Griffith like page on facebook. Like most popular artists she has and attends events often. You can find her at "Disneyland's WonderGround Gallery" on October 11th. She will be displaying her new paintings of the evil queen from "Snow White" and the tight rope girl from " The Haunted Mansion's Stretch room". Then on the 18th of October she will be attending her release party for her new oracle deck "Myths and Mermaids" at Downtown Disney's Pop Gallery.
There are also some events being planned for Downtown Disney's other Art Gallery "Marketplace Co-Op". There has not yet been a date scheduled for these but I would be more then happy to announce them here on the blog as soon as they are. Among Jasmine's favorite event to date was her first international event she attended the "Avalon Faery Fayre" in Glastonbury, England. Since she is from Kansas City, the "Kansas City Renaissance Festival" rates high for her. On this occasion her family comes out and helps her out. Over all she says she loves the Disney events because everyone is always in such a good mood and she considers herself a Disney nerd.
Jasmine resides in Celebration Florida. This is a small heart warming town near Disney. She told me a huge part of the reason they moved to Celebration was to be close to Disney. She had always dreamed of working with Disney and was first approached to do concept art for Disney in 2006 through her connection with Hamilton Collection / Bradford Exchange. Just a out of the blue phone call from Disney led to some Tinkerbell and other classic character figurines. Her Gallery association was established a few years later when after one of the Gallery directors who had been to one of the local art shows recognized her at a side walk cafe in Celebration and sat down with her to discuss displaying her work at the popular Gallery. The Director and Manager of the Gallery met her at her house and sat down to a almost six hour conversation. Pop Gallery was her "flag ship Gallery ever since. Her association with Disney continues to grow as more time passes up to merchandise with her "Evil Queen" design being sold through out the parks.
Since this is a Disney blog, we had to get a little idea of Jasmine's Disney side and this was what we found out. Her favorite Disney Character is none other then Mr. Toad! Her favorite attractions are the haunted Mansions throughout the different Disney parks especially the phantom Manor in Paris. She also said she adores Mr. Toads wild ride and is partial to the Tiki room. Jasmine say's she watches Disney movies differently than most when she is working. " I pay a lot more attention to the visual effects, background scenes, specifics of costume design, etc. I do a lot of pausing, rewinding, freeze-frames, etc. - it turns it into more of an aesthetic adventure rather than simple movie watching. I love seeing the sheer amount of detail that the artists & animators have put into the films." She also shared that she has been on the cruises several times, along with Disney Sea in Tokyo and Disneyland Paris. She shared, " I recently purchased a small studio flat in London, and DLP is only about a two hour train trip from my house there - it's perfect!".
Very grateful that she has been able to do what she loves for a living and bring her work to peoples homes all over the world, she wishes to continue to improve her skills and have more time to dedicate to the craft. With many goals along the way the excitement of things likes receiving a email to work with Disney has not lost it's thrill . ( Probably much like how I was when I received the reply from her that she would give me a interview, bouncing around the room like a child on a sugar high.) Jasmine was kind enough to share a little advice "I would tell aspiring artists to make sure that they genuinely enjoy the physical creation aspect of painting, because that will be how the rest of their life is spent. I think it is important to enjoy what you are doing, and to focus on the actual "art" before trying to worry about business or licensing or whatever. If you make art you like, you enjoy doing it, and you feel good about what you have created - the other business/money stuff will follow."
One of the best parts of being able to talk to the Artists behind our collectibles are the stories they have to share. Like Mr. Shore who I wrote about last month Jasmine shared a few very cute and funny stories with me. One of which was when it first hit her that she had made the big time seeing her products available at stores. In the beginning she remembers being in the check out line at Targets getting groceries and the person in front of her was purchasing some car accessories with her designs on them. She said, " I felt like saying "Hey- hey! I painted that! but I was too shy, lol." She also shared that she is recognized fairly often. Even once she was recognized at the pharmacy while picking up prescriptions. The pharmacist inquired about a recent autograph session.
At only Thirty- Four years old , 17 years of creating beautiful works of art that have become known to most as "Strangelings" Jasmine has made a name for her self and inspired many to go after their dreams. After all she once was a little girl peddling her art to her neighbors. From the short time I got to know her I have got to know the funny, kind, and amazingly talented person behind the beautiful art. I hope if you have never heard of Jasmine Becket-Griffith before this blog that you check her out on her facebook page https://www.facebook.com/strangeling. Be ready to have your mind blown.
Be sure to check out all of what Jasmine Becket-Griffith has to offer!
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Mickey Mouse
It has been a while since I had time to write . Life can swoop you up when you least expect it and keep you busier then you can ever imagine. I am not only a Disney travel agent , but I run a digital design business, and somewhat of a self proclaimed party planner of sorts. The timing for a boost could not be better while we are looking for the house of our dreams so I have to concentrate on orders when I get them!
With that said I couldn't miss the opportunity to write today. Today in 1928 Disney was approved of the Mickey Mouse Trademark. Since then Mickey Mouse has become a house hold name.
Mickey Mouse items are highly collectible so much so that the world Record holder for Mickey Mouse items is 6,726 items and held by Janet Esteves. While I am no where near that amount, I hope some day to have my own world record for Disney Collectibles.
Since we are in the process of trying to move I will be counting my items as I pack them. I will then add that number to the blog so everyone can follow along with me on the way to a world record! In honor of today my newest item in my collection is Sears's Mickey Mouse Lantern. I adore this years garden line and hope to get a few more pieces before they are gone entirely.
With that said I couldn't miss the opportunity to write today. Today in 1928 Disney was approved of the Mickey Mouse Trademark. Since then Mickey Mouse has become a house hold name.
Mickey Mouse items are highly collectible so much so that the world Record holder for Mickey Mouse items is 6,726 items and held by Janet Esteves. While I am no where near that amount, I hope some day to have my own world record for Disney Collectibles.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Spotlight Sunday Cynthia Lubenow
What a long week it has been . I didn't have a chance to write a single blog . I guess that happens when summer is coming to a end and everyone wants to fit in those last minute get together. My husband and I are looking at a new house we are in love with. I have already picked a room to be my Disney room which has me extremely excited. Though at the same time I will have to let go of some of my prized possessions for the house. Our Spotlight of this week had to leave most of her collection behind ( In a storage unit) when she moved to Texas.
Cynthia Started collecting in 1997. She and her mother had been walking around the mall when her mother suggested that the Disney store would be a fun place for her to work. During the group interview , another girl started showing off her own Disney room. This Discouraged her, but she got the job! Her first Pieces were a set of Disney Princesses she bought after she started working. She continued to buy and fill shelves leading up to her parents buying her a large curio cabinet for her Graduation.
Her collection included anything and everything Disney. From Plush animals to Big Figs and everything in between . Among her favorites are "Disney's self portrait" a painting that depicts Mickey mouse looking in a mirror and painting Walt Disney. Idea taken from the earlier Norman Rockwell painting " Triple self portrait". She also loves her piece where Mickey is shaking hands with a Fire Fighter.
After she was married in 2008 she moved to Texas and collecting took a back burner to her new life. She says that if she starts collecting again she would like to get more Jim Shore and WDCC pieces. One of the things that she wants is the WDCC 5 year member piece since she was a member for 5 years before she moved. When she was collecting she got most of her pieces from the Disney Store. She was also gifted items from friends and family and purchased from Disneyland, Disneyworld, and Ebay. One memory she shared to me was after a friend of hers had a baby boy , they gave her 2 Disney Diapers. Along with the diapers was a card with which she wrote that she wanted to donate to her collection, though it was nothing to frame. So she did just that!
Cynthia Started collecting in 1997. She and her mother had been walking around the mall when her mother suggested that the Disney store would be a fun place for her to work. During the group interview , another girl started showing off her own Disney room. This Discouraged her, but she got the job! Her first Pieces were a set of Disney Princesses she bought after she started working. She continued to buy and fill shelves leading up to her parents buying her a large curio cabinet for her Graduation.
Her collection included anything and everything Disney. From Plush animals to Big Figs and everything in between . Among her favorites are "Disney's self portrait" a painting that depicts Mickey mouse looking in a mirror and painting Walt Disney. Idea taken from the earlier Norman Rockwell painting " Triple self portrait". She also loves her piece where Mickey is shaking hands with a Fire Fighter.
After she was married in 2008 she moved to Texas and collecting took a back burner to her new life. She says that if she starts collecting again she would like to get more Jim Shore and WDCC pieces. One of the things that she wants is the WDCC 5 year member piece since she was a member for 5 years before she moved. When she was collecting she got most of her pieces from the Disney Store. She was also gifted items from friends and family and purchased from Disneyland, Disneyworld, and Ebay. One memory she shared to me was after a friend of hers had a baby boy , they gave her 2 Disney Diapers. Along with the diapers was a card with which she wrote that she wanted to donate to her collection, though it was nothing to frame. So she did just that!
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Spotlight Sunday Lisa Robison Cottam
Recently I added a new group on facebook called "For TRUE Disney Addicts". This is a fun group of people that frequently post Disney trivia. When I added the page Lisa was running the trivia and it was for sure she knew her stuff. It wasn't until later on another page that I saw her collection. I was astounded and asked right away.
Lisa started collecting as a kid like most of us did. Stuffed animals, coloring books, movies, anything you can think of a child Disney lover would want. Among her first collectible pieces were sculptures purchased at the Disney Store. Including the three good fairies from "Sleeping Beauty", and Mushu from "Mulan".
Her collection really started accumulating pieces when she got engaged. When it was decided that they would have a Disney wedding , she started purchasing Disney Lenox figurines to use as their center pieces. ( Lenox is white and gold bone china founded in 1889. ) Lisa Purchased every Prince and Princess Lenox piece that was made and also a few Mickey and Minnie wedding pieces . They even used the Piece of Cinderella and Prince Charming dancing was used as their cake topper.
Lisa's favorite character is Eeyore. Therefore would reasonably be assumed that most of her collection is Eeyore items. Her Eeyore collection is made up of everything including pens, mugs, cookie jars, and Christmas ornaments and everything in between. She even has a Big Fig she found at "Pooh's Corner" in Downtown Disney. It was love at first site and wasn't a piece she would be able to take lightly not purchasing. After Phone calls were made, and three more stores were stopped at in search of the Big Fig before a CM (Cast Member "Associate" ) was able to find one for her. It is now one of her favorite pieces in her collection.
There are many pieces she is on the look out for. Some of which include the new Elsa from Bradford Exchange, Multiple WDCC statues, and more. It is obvious that Lisa's collection will continue to grow and be more amazing with every new piece.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
US 12 Garage Sale
The US 12 Garage Sale is Michigan's longest Garage Sale. It goes from New Buffalo to Detroit. Which is a 212 mile route beginning to end. People come from all over to search for their perfect treasure. Even more wonderful then the treasures you find are the people you meet.
I have been doing the US 12 garage sale route for a few years now. Last year I found one of my most treasured items a wooden Donald Duck rocker . It is still in beautiful condition for it's age . I actually got to it just before someone else. When they asked if I knew what I had just got , it made the find so much more exciting.
This year I got VHS tapes, Stuffed animals , the Kellogg's bobble head set, Lion king statues, and so much more. My husband and I were called a professional by a gentleman because of how we plan our trip and how we decide what to buy. The finds weren't quite as good this year as last but I had fun! Can't wait until next year!
I have been doing the US 12 garage sale route for a few years now. Last year I found one of my most treasured items a wooden Donald Duck rocker . It is still in beautiful condition for it's age . I actually got to it just before someone else. When they asked if I knew what I had just got , it made the find so much more exciting.
This year I got VHS tapes, Stuffed animals , the Kellogg's bobble head set, Lion king statues, and so much more. My husband and I were called a professional by a gentleman because of how we plan our trip and how we decide what to buy. The finds weren't quite as good this year as last but I had fun! Can't wait until next year!
Monday, August 11, 2014
Rest in Peace Mr. Williams
It's breaking my heart to hear the news. A man , comedian, Disney legend has passed away. It doesn't seem real, just another ridiculous hoax. How can this be real? It is painful just to write this because it feels like someone we came to know and love is gone. It has been stated that Robin Williams was suffering from depression and that it was a possible suicide.That doesn't seem at all possible but if it was I honestly think it was a shame that we couldn't do the same thing for him that he has done for us.
I have all kinds of Genie items including a musical statue and a large clock. I will continue to look for Genie and Flubber items to commemorate a beautiful soul. May you enjoy your new found freedom. We will mourn you today and remember you as a legend tomorrow.
I have all kinds of Genie items including a musical statue and a large clock. I will continue to look for Genie and Flubber items to commemorate a beautiful soul. May you enjoy your new found freedom. We will mourn you today and remember you as a legend tomorrow.
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Spotlight Sunday Robert Jennings
I am writing this weeks Sunday Spotlight early so I can post it on Sunday. This Weekend is the US 12 garage sale. I plan to write about it next week so stay tuned.
This Sunday's spotlight is Robert Jennings. I discovered his collection while he was sharing pictures on one of my favorite facebook groups "Disney Addicts and Jim Shore Group".
He is sixty five from Chicago and currently resides in Florida. Always being a Disney fan he took to collecting, and has enjoyed it immensely. Now collecting for 10 years , he has accumulated a hundred to a hundred and fifty pieces.
His first Disney item he got was a Mickey Mouse Sorcerer's Apprentice Bobble head he received for Christmas. His favorite piece so far is a painting of Apprentice Mickey by Disney artist James Coleman. He would like to get Jim Shore piece "Fantasia Symphony". It is a Beautiful piece that is made to look like it is carved out of wood. Featuring Apprentice Mickey, Chernabog, and other Fantasia Characters the piece is simply breath taking.
This Sunday's spotlight is Robert Jennings. I discovered his collection while he was sharing pictures on one of my favorite facebook groups "Disney Addicts and Jim Shore Group".
He is sixty five from Chicago and currently resides in Florida. Always being a Disney fan he took to collecting, and has enjoyed it immensely. Now collecting for 10 years , he has accumulated a hundred to a hundred and fifty pieces.
His first Disney item he got was a Mickey Mouse Sorcerer's Apprentice Bobble head he received for Christmas. His favorite piece so far is a painting of Apprentice Mickey by Disney artist James Coleman. He would like to get Jim Shore piece "Fantasia Symphony". It is a Beautiful piece that is made to look like it is carved out of wood. Featuring Apprentice Mickey, Chernabog, and other Fantasia Characters the piece is simply breath taking.
He finds his pieces through out the internet . Including online garage sale sites and other web sites. He also finds his pieces at Disney World and Thrift Stores. Robert Plans to continue collecting and sharing his love of Disney with all who want to share it with him.
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Spot light Sunday Randol Martinez
To finish off our Jim Shore weekend we have an amazing young man! People start collecting things at all ages but usually nothing quite like Randol Martinez. Randol is currently 21 years old. He started collecting Disney Jim Shores two years ago when he purchased Snow White and six of the seven dwarfs from a thrift store. The set was unfortunately missing Sleepy. ( I have found this to be common of Snow White sets, I assume because he fell asleep and got left behind.)
Randol had 145 statues when we had our interview and two more on the way. Currently he has every one of Jim Shore's wind up Musical pieces except one. His goal is to collect every Disney piece that is made including the already released and retired designs. His favorite piece so far is Sorcerers Apprentice Mickey big fig that he received from his parents for his twenty first birthday. He also has the regular Mickey Big fig , and wants to get the twenty four inch Grumpy big fig more then any other piece to finish off his big fig set.
While we were talking he schooled me on the sizes of Jim Shores. Explaining that Big Figs are twenty to twenty five inches tall, mediums are twelve to twenty inches and under twelve are normal sized. Like most collectors he finds his pieces online on ebay or online stores and also has collector friends that look out for pieces for him. The pride and knowledge of his pieces is easy to see even while just talking over the internet. I hope more people his age follow his lead and take on a collection of such a magnitude.
I would like to Thank all my readers for a awesome first month. It has been a delightful start and I hope the blog continues to flourish. Please feel free to share your thoughts, and questions in the comments. I love hearing from other Disney lovers and collectors. I hope to make Dabbling Disney one of the top Disney blogs so if you like it please share and feel free to like my new facebook page!
https://www.facebook.com/Disneyfansrock
Randol had 145 statues when we had our interview and two more on the way. Currently he has every one of Jim Shore's wind up Musical pieces except one. His goal is to collect every Disney piece that is made including the already released and retired designs. His favorite piece so far is Sorcerers Apprentice Mickey big fig that he received from his parents for his twenty first birthday. He also has the regular Mickey Big fig , and wants to get the twenty four inch Grumpy big fig more then any other piece to finish off his big fig set.
While we were talking he schooled me on the sizes of Jim Shores. Explaining that Big Figs are twenty to twenty five inches tall, mediums are twelve to twenty inches and under twelve are normal sized. Like most collectors he finds his pieces online on ebay or online stores and also has collector friends that look out for pieces for him. The pride and knowledge of his pieces is easy to see even while just talking over the internet. I hope more people his age follow his lead and take on a collection of such a magnitude.
I would like to Thank all my readers for a awesome first month. It has been a delightful start and I hope the blog continues to flourish. Please feel free to share your thoughts, and questions in the comments. I love hearing from other Disney lovers and collectors. I hope to make Dabbling Disney one of the top Disney blogs so if you like it please share and feel free to like my new facebook page!
https://www.facebook.com/Disneyfansrock
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Celebrity Saturday Jim Shore
Have you ever wondered what the people that create your favorite collectibles like, think , etc. What goes / went into every piece we have come to adore. From the idea to the creation these people put every waking minute to bring us happiness. It's about time we took the time to look behind the scenes at the people that bring us such wonderful stuff . I am going to try to have a celebrity Saturday once a month . Though I will not guarantee anything since our idols (of sorts) tend to be busy. So with that said I am over joyed to introduce my first ever Saturday celebrity Mr. Jim Shore!
As you have seen through out my blogs over the last month, ( if you were not already familiar) Jim Shores are Poly Resin Statues. Jim Shore is the inventor of these delightful pieces many have come to love. Jim has been using his artistic talents ever since he was little when he would make roosters and cats for his mother. Even a normal job did not decrease the creative out put Jim would eventually share with the world. As a trained Engineer with a background in Chemistry he took to working with Poly Resin quite easily and takes great care with the detail of every piece he creates.
While he never imagined he would get this big his wife has always believed in him every step of the way. She inspired him to keep going when things got rough. He does not feel he has hit it big yet. Though hearing that his pieces hold a delicate place in peoples hearts, whether they represent something good or sad is important to him. He holds many meets with people whether at the airport or one of his many events close to his heart and says he loves hearing that people love his work and have some of his pieces in their home or work. He feels his biggest accomplishment to date is being a good father and a even better grandfather!
While keeping very busy with new designs, his friends mess with him about his lack of spare time. Liking to stay busy he always has a project (or 5) he is working on. Right now he is working on remodeling a guest house and has plans after that to make a stained glass window. As for the future of Jim Shores he is excited to work on more Frozen pieces to add to the newest releases.He has found Frozen to be a gratifying theme to work on.
Jim collects folk art particularly quilts. He has aquired some quilts that date as far back as the 1830's. You will notice in his work that he includes patch work designs on every piece adding a piece of him to each design.
Getting involved with Disney through the company Enesco, Jim was skeptical on what he could bring to the great art of Disney. He seems quite proud when he says "It worked out". His favorite character is Tinkerbell because she is full of fun and makes for a lot of possibilities to work with.He loves visting the parks especially around Christmas time. Disneyland holds a special place in his heart since it was the original and the park he grew up dreaming about as a kid.
Please feel free to leave any questions for Mr. Shore in the comments. I am sure he would love to hear from all of the blog readers! Thanks again for the interview and taking the time to make a fan extremely happy.
Check to see if Jim has a scheduled event near you at http://www.jimshore.com/index.php/news-events/7-news3
Read more about Jim Shore at http://jimshore.com/index.
As you have seen through out my blogs over the last month, ( if you were not already familiar) Jim Shores are Poly Resin Statues. Jim Shore is the inventor of these delightful pieces many have come to love. Jim has been using his artistic talents ever since he was little when he would make roosters and cats for his mother. Even a normal job did not decrease the creative out put Jim would eventually share with the world. As a trained Engineer with a background in Chemistry he took to working with Poly Resin quite easily and takes great care with the detail of every piece he creates.
While he never imagined he would get this big his wife has always believed in him every step of the way. She inspired him to keep going when things got rough. He does not feel he has hit it big yet. Though hearing that his pieces hold a delicate place in peoples hearts, whether they represent something good or sad is important to him. He holds many meets with people whether at the airport or one of his many events close to his heart and says he loves hearing that people love his work and have some of his pieces in their home or work. He feels his biggest accomplishment to date is being a good father and a even better grandfather!
While keeping very busy with new designs, his friends mess with him about his lack of spare time. Liking to stay busy he always has a project (or 5) he is working on. Right now he is working on remodeling a guest house and has plans after that to make a stained glass window. As for the future of Jim Shores he is excited to work on more Frozen pieces to add to the newest releases.He has found Frozen to be a gratifying theme to work on.
Jim collects folk art particularly quilts. He has aquired some quilts that date as far back as the 1830's. You will notice in his work that he includes patch work designs on every piece adding a piece of him to each design.
Getting involved with Disney through the company Enesco, Jim was skeptical on what he could bring to the great art of Disney. He seems quite proud when he says "It worked out". His favorite character is Tinkerbell because she is full of fun and makes for a lot of possibilities to work with.He loves visting the parks especially around Christmas time. Disneyland holds a special place in his heart since it was the original and the park he grew up dreaming about as a kid.
Check to see if Jim has a scheduled event near you at http://www.jimshore.com/index.php/news-events/7-news3
Read more about Jim Shore at http://jimshore.com/index.
Friday, August 1, 2014
Jim Jim Jimmy Jimmy Jim Jim Jim
I'm guessing if you're a Muppets fan reading the title your thinking this is about muppets but it's not. While the first thing that comes to my mind when I think of that quote is in fact a bunch of furry , cute , litte puppets on a boat heading for adventure on the big blue wet thing. This is more of a intro to the weekend dedicated to one of our idols . The creator of one of our favorite collectibles "Jim Shores". It's still hard to believe I got a interview with the man that created something that I have to go to Hallmark or gift shop to find.
I have known about Jim Shores for over a year now. To be honest I didn't think I would ever have one. Mainly because I usually don't buy stuff from stores like Hallmark. They are usually quite out of my price range and not really my style of used and abused . Well Jim Shores changed my mind on that and has been the only pieces so far that I have bought right from a store ( I'm fibbing a little because there has been one Precious Moment that was purchased from a store but , it was by my husband and it was a anniversary gift (so it doesn't count).
My very first Jim Shore piece was Doc. While walking around a flea market close to my mothers house I saw him from a far (Dramatic huh?). Probably lucky for me the owner of the booth had no idea what we was selling or the purchase price would have been higher. The piece joined my Snow White shelf as soon as I got home.
Months later ( about 6 or so at least) St. Patrick's day this year. My husband and I were at a local gift shop. We were suppose to be window shopping but I think I knew something was leaving with us that day. After all who walks into a store filled with treasures untold and walks out with nothing. Plus it was after all the anniversary of the day we got together , 6 years to be exact. When the Leprechaun Mickey Jim Shore caught my eye there was no way I wasn't going to buy it. It now inhabits the class cabinet that is dedicated to our Irish finds. (There is a whole shelf dedicated to Mickey!)
The last one I have was actually purchased at Hallmark . Even though I have no fire fighter familiarity. I fell in love with Fire Fighter goofy. The way he is tangled in the fire hose gave off the perfect essence of the goof I know and love. He now joins the fire fighting Mickey and Pluto salt and pepper shakers on my book shelf.
This is just an introduction though. My little set of three compares not to the man himself and our spotlight this weekend . That will be the fun ones to read. I am so excited to be able to post my first celebrity Saturday that it makes me wonder, If you could learn about anyone who had an idea to create something awesome who would it be? Maybe I can find a way to interview them to!
I have known about Jim Shores for over a year now. To be honest I didn't think I would ever have one. Mainly because I usually don't buy stuff from stores like Hallmark. They are usually quite out of my price range and not really my style of used and abused . Well Jim Shores changed my mind on that and has been the only pieces so far that I have bought right from a store ( I'm fibbing a little because there has been one Precious Moment that was purchased from a store but , it was by my husband and it was a anniversary gift (so it doesn't count).
My very first Jim Shore piece was Doc. While walking around a flea market close to my mothers house I saw him from a far (Dramatic huh?). Probably lucky for me the owner of the booth had no idea what we was selling or the purchase price would have been higher. The piece joined my Snow White shelf as soon as I got home.
Months later ( about 6 or so at least) St. Patrick's day this year. My husband and I were at a local gift shop. We were suppose to be window shopping but I think I knew something was leaving with us that day. After all who walks into a store filled with treasures untold and walks out with nothing. Plus it was after all the anniversary of the day we got together , 6 years to be exact. When the Leprechaun Mickey Jim Shore caught my eye there was no way I wasn't going to buy it. It now inhabits the class cabinet that is dedicated to our Irish finds. (There is a whole shelf dedicated to Mickey!)
The last one I have was actually purchased at Hallmark . Even though I have no fire fighter familiarity. I fell in love with Fire Fighter goofy. The way he is tangled in the fire hose gave off the perfect essence of the goof I know and love. He now joins the fire fighting Mickey and Pluto salt and pepper shakers on my book shelf.
This is just an introduction though. My little set of three compares not to the man himself and our spotlight this weekend . That will be the fun ones to read. I am so excited to be able to post my first celebrity Saturday that it makes me wonder, If you could learn about anyone who had an idea to create something awesome who would it be? Maybe I can find a way to interview them to!
Thursday, July 31, 2014
penny pinching
Announcements went out all over Facebook yesterday relaying that the new rates for 2015 have been released. People are already booking their 2015 vacations and keeping the travel agents quite busy. In search of that memory, thrill, excitement and possibly even that one item they can't live without. When I am at the parks one of my biggest thrills are hotel hopping and trying to get all the pressed Pennies I am missing.
The first Pressed Penny was made in honor of the "World's Columbian Exposition" in 1893. It was very simple the name of the event around the perimeter and date in the middle. Now they can be extremely detailed. There are machines that you have to turn yourself and some that you just insert the appropriate amount and it works on it's own.
As of today I have over 7 books filled and even some in a ziploc baggie. I have entire sets and ones I am still working on getting. There are some I have that are retired and some from places that no longer exist like Camp Minnie Mickey and toontown. It's a huge collection but I fit the whole thing in a Sulley lunch box. There cheap , fun, and amusing . Something for everyone even when you have to be penny pinching.
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Spot light Sunday Tom Margarites
It's Sunday again ! That means time to spot light another wonderful collector . This week we have Tom Margarites a 55 year old WDCC Collector from Chicago Illinois. WDCC or Walt Disney Classic Collection are retired Enesco Disney Sculptures that debuted in 1992 and retired in 2012. Precious Moments purchased the rights for a short time. Although when fans of the originals did not care for the new spins , they decided to discontinue entirely.
Ever since Tom was young he had a love for three dimensional characters. You could only imagine his reaction when on one of his many window shopping excursions he saw a WDCC Sculpture. When he saw Pecos Bill, Slue foot Sue, and Casey at the Bat all together he was instantly in love. He had to refrain himself when he found out the purchase price was more then he could afford for just one of the pieces. After time passed about 7 or 8 years and the birth of his daughters led to the purchase of Disney dvds he sat down and watched "Melody Time", and was reminded of the Disney Sculptures he fell in love with on display at the Disney store.
Being that he was already familiar with ebay he searched the Pecos Bill statue. He found one that was less then a quarter of the price it was when he first seen it! He was sure to snatch it up right away and begin what would become his collection. After 13 years of collecting he has acquired 205-210 WDCC's. This does not count his beautiful collection of Big Figs ( Figures that stand about 18 inches in height), Markrita, and other pieces. They are displayed beautifully by theme of the movie they are from, giving them a breath taking exhibit.
Tom still buys his pieces off of ebay today. He has even taken an interest in fixing pieces that have broken. He has made a few videos sharing his step by step process of recreating the figures . He does an amazing job of both fixing and keeping the original essence of the original piece. Like most of us collectors he enjoys sharing his collection and there history.
Ever since Tom was young he had a love for three dimensional characters. You could only imagine his reaction when on one of his many window shopping excursions he saw a WDCC Sculpture. When he saw Pecos Bill, Slue foot Sue, and Casey at the Bat all together he was instantly in love. He had to refrain himself when he found out the purchase price was more then he could afford for just one of the pieces. After time passed about 7 or 8 years and the birth of his daughters led to the purchase of Disney dvds he sat down and watched "Melody Time", and was reminded of the Disney Sculptures he fell in love with on display at the Disney store.
Being that he was already familiar with ebay he searched the Pecos Bill statue. He found one that was less then a quarter of the price it was when he first seen it! He was sure to snatch it up right away and begin what would become his collection. After 13 years of collecting he has acquired 205-210 WDCC's. This does not count his beautiful collection of Big Figs ( Figures that stand about 18 inches in height), Markrita, and other pieces. They are displayed beautifully by theme of the movie they are from, giving them a breath taking exhibit.
Tom still buys his pieces off of ebay today. He has even taken an interest in fixing pieces that have broken. He has made a few videos sharing his step by step process of recreating the figures . He does an amazing job of both fixing and keeping the original essence of the original piece. Like most of us collectors he enjoys sharing his collection and there history.
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